Pests Out WA owner Richard Lawrance was recently called to remove the snake, but was shocked when he saw what species it was.
“Given the time of year, I thought it’s definitely got to be a hatchling dugite. But to my |surprise it was a yearling Stimson’s python,” the Iluka resident said.
He said it was “a bit unusual” because Stimson’s pythons were not often found in Craigie.
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READ NOW“They are usually more associated with rocky terrain in areas such as Perth Hills, the Wheatbelt and Goldfields,” he said.
Given the abnormality of it, Mr Lawrance called DPaW and he was asked to hand the snake in.
Wildlife officer Matt Swan said Stimson’s pythons were not naturally found in Craigie so it was presumed the snake was an |escaped pet.
“It is unlikely to have hitchhiked to Craigie on or in a vehicle,” he said. “The department is responsible for licensing reptile keepers and is best placed to find its owner.”
He said licensed reptile keepers were required to notify DPaW within 72 hours of an escape.
“If the licensee can provide proof that the reptile is in fact their pet, it is handed back,” Mr Swan said. “Should no person come forward to claim the snake, (DPaW) will offer it to the pet reptile industry.
“Pythons are known to carry diseases and as such, they are not returned to the wild to ensure |native populations are not impacted.”